All posts by h716a5.icu

Leeds United are interested in signing midfielder Okay Yokuslu, who spent the latter half of the 2020/21 season on loan at relegated West Bromwich Albion.

That’s according to the print edition of Spanish newspaper Faro de Vigo (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Yokuslu made the temporary move to the Baggies from La Liga outfit Celta Vigo in the winter transfer window and shone even as his team’s bid for survival failed.

The Turkey international made 2.2 interceptions per game, the fifth-highest in the Premier League (via WhoScored) and bettered only by Liam Cooper among Leeds’ squad – Kalvin Phillips, who plays in a similar role, averaged 1.6 interceptions per game. The £31,000-a-week Yokuslu also won 2.6 aerial duels and 2.4 tackles per match, underlining the strength of his defensive game.

West Brom journalist and podcaster Adrian Goldberg hailed the 27-year-old as an ‘excellent footballer’ and marvelled at his ‘forceful’ approach during his spell with the Baggies.

The latest

Faro de Vigo stated (via Sport Witness) that there is a healthy market for Yokuslu in the Premier League on the back of his impressive loan spell at The Hawthorns.

Leeds are named as one of the candidates for the 27-year-old’s signature and, perhaps crucially, Celta Vigo will allow the £6.75m-rated midfielder to leave the La Liga club permanently.

The verdict

Leeds could do with a reliable backup option for Phillips in defensive midfield, as seven of their 15 Premier League losses came in the Englishman’s absence.

Does Yokuslu fit the bill? He can certainly shield a back four, but Phillips also boasts an exceptional passing range, as evidenced by his 4.7 accurate long balls per game last season.

The Turkish midfielder might have to develop that part of his game (he averaged just 1.9 accurate long balls per match), but there’s definite potential for a bargain for Leeds or indeed a Premier League rival.

Whether Yokuslu would accept a backup role to Phillips at Elland Road is another matter, though, as the Englishman has proven too important for Marcelo Bielsa to omit.

In other news, this youngster could be leaving Elland Road on loan.  

India are down and almost out and even their most ardent supporters have acknowledged that the fat lady is rehearsing her song

Mike King05-May-2002India are down and almost out and even their most ardent supporters have acknowledged that the fat lady is rehearsing her song.Faced with a first innings deficit of 292, India were staring defeat in the face at stumps at 169 for four, with their two leading batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid back in the pavilion and two days still left in this crucial third Test at Kensington Oval.Software engineer, Suvankar, an Indian supporter in the Garfield Sobers Stand, admits it’s only a matter of time before the West Indies wrap up the match and square the series 1-1.It’s a four-day match. There is no-way out. We really needed to do much better on the first day, he said.Biggest sportAtul Shrivastava, who hails from the central Indian city of Bhopal, screamed himself hoarse when India reached 100 with just one wicket down, but his shoulders drooped when the West Indies prised out Dravid and Tendulkar.Now, we need a miracle. Those wickets of Dravid and Tendulkar were big ones and really hurt.Cricket is by far, the biggest sport in India and for us, this is heart-breaking. It is shattering, he said.Tendulkar, the son of a professor, is a cricketing icon in India and there was a hush in the Hall & Griffith Stand among the Indian posse when Merv Dillon removed the 29-year-old master batsman for his third straight low score.When Dillon completed the over and took his place on the boundary line in front of the Three Ws Stand, he was warmly greeted by exuberant Trinidadian compatriots, unable to contain their delight.Dillon was not the only one to have West Indian fans cheering yesterday. Carl Hooper finally collected his first Test hundred in Barbados to the delight of his legion of fans here while Chanderpaul reached his fourth Test ton, all made on Caribbean soil.Its really great to see Hooper make a Test hundred here. I have waited many years for this. I enjoy seeing him bat, remarked one female fan.It was only Hooper’s 12th Test hundred in his 95th Test and marked the first time he has scored 400 runs in a series.

Roundly criticised by skipper Neil Taylor for their shabby performance against Liphook & Ripsley 24 hours earlier, the Bashley (Rydal) batsmen turned on the style, cracking a huge 375-5 against Waterlooville in the ECB Club Championships

Mike Vimpany (as published in Daily Echo)13-May-2002Roundly criticised by skipper Neil Taylor for their shabby performance against Liphook & Ripsley 24 hours earlier, the Bashley (Rydal) batsmen turned on the style, cracking a huge 375-5 against Waterlooville in the ECB Club Championships.Taylor accused his Bashley team-mates of ‘lacking application’ in a lack lustre display against Liphook, which resulted in a second consecutive Southern Electric Premier League defeat for the Foresters.But, led by Neil Thurgood, Bashley responded with a towering 375-5 off 45 overs against the Ville in the second round of the national competition.”Let’s hope the run glut against Waterlooville carries on at Havant on Saturday,” Taylor remarked. “But I’ve a feeling Havant’s bowling might be a tad sharper.”Nonetheless, Neil Thurgood with 133, and his colleagues filled their boots against Ville’s beleaguered attack.Richard Knowles (74), Neil Taylor (54), Chris Sketchley (46) and Steve Latimore (41) all got in some valuable batting practice, with veteran Stan Rudder seeing his last four overs flogged for 56 runs.Kevin Nash took 4-17 and Ross Grierson (3-33) as Ville were tumbled out for 135 (Des Langrish 35).Bashley’s dubious third round reward is a May 26 visit to Havant, who thrashed Thatcham by seven wickets.A three-wicket spell by Richard Hindley helped bowl Thatcham out for 146 – a total Havant polished off after Andy Perry (54) and Steve Snell (48) had scored 90 off the opening 13 overs.Marc Kavanagh hit 74 off just 46 balls as Andover beat Ventnor by seven wickets at Steephill.Evergreen Jeff Hose cracked 61 of Ventnor’s 151-9, but Kavanagh’s whirlwind knock got the visitors home in 21 overs.Andover will host Burridge – four wicket winners over Winchester KS – in the third round.Paul Marks (77) and Phil Green (43) shared a century stand in Winchester’s 181-5, but an undefeated 71 by Neil Cunningham, supported by Paul Ancell (30), eased Burridge home.South Wilts cruised to a five-wicket win after shooting Gosport Borough out for 94, while one-time Hampshire all-rounder Lee Savident hit the century trail for Portsmouth.Savident hit nine sixes in a blistering 146 as Portsmouth scored 262-6 (Geoff Pike 50) before dismissing Lymington for 163 (Rick Marston 3-39).

Rangers youngster Ben Williamson enjoyed an excellent campaign out on loan with Arbroath last season and he could be the man to replace Steven Davis in Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox in the future.

The 19-year-old, who is yet to make a senior appearance at Rangers, was sent out on his first loan spell away from Ibrox in January to join Championship side Arbroath, where he was a regular in Richard Campbell’s side.

He made 18 appearances in all competitions for the Gayfield Park outfit, contributing one goal and helping Arbroath to a seventh-placed finish in the  Championship.

The fact that he started every single league game for Arbroath following his January loan switch emphasises just how much he impressed Campbell and his coaching staff, which certainly bodes well for his future at Ibrox.

Next season could prove to be a make or break one for Williamson, as the contract he signed in January will expire at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, so he will need to continue to show off his potential if he wants to extend his stay with Rangers again in the near future.

Gerrard will have plenty of options available to him in central midfield next season, especially with Nnamdi Ofoborh also joining the club this summer, so it is difficult to see where Williamson fits in.

However, he is clearly well-regarded at Ibrox, with former academy coach Kevin Thomson full of praise for the youngster in November of last year as he said: “I thought Ben Williamson was a mountain in the middle of the pitch as well doing the dirty work, the stuff that people don’t know but I know because I used to do it myself so I am delighted for the boys.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Rangers transfer rumours and news!”]

Whilst next season could come too soon for Williamson, his performances this term suggest that he has a bright future with the Gers, and perhaps he could be the man to step up when Davis ultimately retires.

The 36-year-old midfielder was rewarded with a new one-year contract at Rangers earlier this year after playing a key role in the title win, but unfortunately he can’t play forever and retirement could well be on the cards at the end of next season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

Therefore, if Williamson can impress out on loan or even on the fringes of Rangers’ squad next season, then there seems no reason why he can’t become a regular at Ibrox in the near future.

In other news… Douglas Park receives huge boost with “amazing” Ibrox gem, Gers fans surely buzzing

Southampton fans have been reacting to reports claiming that Eddie Howe turned down a move to Celtic as he wants to take over the Saints instead.

The previous campaign was a mixed one for the Saints. They started the season well and even reached the F.A Cup semi-finals. However, they ended up losing 1-0 to Leicester at Wembley after a lacklustre display, while they finished in 15th place in the Premier League table. However, it seems the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit will persevere with Ralph Hasenhuttl as boss.

Former Bournemouth boss Howe looked certain to join Celtic, but an agreement fell through (The Telegraph). Now, according to Football Insider, Howe decided against a move to Glasgow as he has his heart set on replacing Hasenhuttl at Southampton instead.

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters, and they took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Howe news below

“??????????????????????????????????”

Credit: @Cworth65141519

“We’re gargantuan haha”

Credit: @rxdmond

“There really are some jokers out there”

Credit: @James90044529

“Imagine Howe at Saints, a manager who loves spending big money on unsuccessful player (ibe, solanke, gradel etc) It would not go well”

Credit: @BensBanter

“Hang on. Have I missed something? I thought we had a manager? I’ve only just got out of bed.”

Credit: @isplumm

“rubbish”

Credit: @sfcbilly

In other news, Southampton are interested in this midfielder compared to Steven Gerrard.

Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham is edging closer to a move to Greek side AEK Athens, according to The Scottish Sun.

The Lowdown: Hoops to terminate Ntcham’s deal?

Reports last month suggested that the Hoops have exploited a loophole in the Frenchman’s contract.

His deal at Parkhead still has 12 months left to run, however, Celtic were ready to terminate the last year and absolve themselves of the requirement to pay his wages.

It appears as if Ntcham has now taken his future into his own hands and is awaiting a response from Celtic to seal a Glasgow exit.

The Latest: Ntcham agrees personal terms

The Scottish Sun claim that Ntcham has agreed on a deal with AEK Athens worth around £1million a year, just over £19,000-a-week.

Ntcham, who Neil Lennon described as ‘class’, is currently on £15,000-a-week at Parkhead and is now waiting to see if he can seal a free transfer away from the club.

AEK are hoping to land him for nothing, with the report on Tuesday evening claiming a deal may go through over the coming days.

The Verdict: McKay’s first piece of transfer activity at Celtic?

New Celtic CEO Dominic McKay will have to be at the heart of any potential Ntcham exit, considering there is currently no manager or director of football in place.

Should a transfer materialise over the coming days, it could also be the club’s first real piece of summer transfer business since McKay’s arrival – the window opened on Wednesday.

In an ideal world Celtic would receive a transfer fee for the 25-year-old, valued at £2.7m by Transfermarkt, but at least they’ll be getting a high earner off the books, which could allow for incomings over the coming months.

In other news: Liam Shaw transfer details emerge, find out more here. 

Somerset Under 15 Girl’s lost their ECB League match against Kent at King Edwards School in Bath recently

Richard Walsh16-Jul-2002Somerset Under 15 Girl’s lost their ECB League match against Kent at King Edwards School in Bath recently.Somerset won the toss and batting first scored 82 from their 30 overs, with Liz Tilley top scoring with 38.In reply Kent got off to a good start and had scored 63 before Somerset skipper Annie Riccio took an exciting catch to dismiss Charlotte Ridout off the bowling of Katherine Feather for 37.There was second wicket for Katherine but it wasn’t enough to prevent Kent from eventually reaching their target for the loss of 3 wickets.Somerset now play Essex at Wadham Hall at Walthamstow in the next round of the competition.

Bournemouth have ended BAT Sports’ amazing run of 15 successive "all day" victories and enabled Havant to reduce the deficit at the top of the ECB Southern Electric Premier League to 16 points

Mike Vimpany (as published in Daily Echo)28-Jul-2002Bournemouth have ended BAT Sports’ amazing run of 15 successive "all day" victories and enabled Havant to reduce the deficit at the top of the ECB Southern Electric Premier League to 16 points.Leaders BAT, who had previously won every `time’ match they had played since early June 2001, were held to a draw by Bournemouth at Chapel Gate.Whereas Havant whipped Andover by eight wickets to remain second in the all too familiar two-horse championship race.BAT, bowled out for 218 in the last of their 66 overs, were forced on to the defensive as Bournemouth moved to 139-2. But, after receiving 54 overs back from the champions, Bournemouth closed at 162-6.BAT’s top order thrived, with Damian Shirazi (48) featuring in useful partnerships with Richard Kenway (36) and Dave Banks (59), who was eventually run out at 165-3.Michael Watson (43) prospered as Chris Haniff (4-27) celebrated his first team call up with a useful nine-over spell and left-arm spinner Tom Webley (2-36) produced a containing 14-over spell.The pair caused BAT to slip from 165-3 to 187-9 before Watson’s last-wicket rally with Dan Goldstraw yielded 28 precious runs and took the defending champions on to 218 all out.Goldstraw picked up his 33rd victim of the season when he had Webley snapped up at slip.But Bournemouth, through Matt Swarbrick (33), got back into the reckoning … until the wicket-hungry left-armer struck again at 47-2.Martin Miller, who finished unbeaten on 62, and Geoff Warrington (43) led Bournemouth on to 139-2.But Goldstraw, whose lengthy 21-over spell yielded figures of 4-38, probably ended Bournemouth’s challenge when he had Warrington caught behind.Terry Rawlins (2-24) achieved two more breakthroughs, but BAT were never likely to force a result as Bournemouth closed on 162-6."I thought they were too defensive – they had `sweepers’ out very early – and kept Dan Goldstraw on far too long," criticised Bournemouth skipper Swarbrick.The check in BAT’s unrelenting march towards a second consecutive league title at least enabled Havant to close the gap at the top.They beat Andover by eight wickets, with Roger Miller hitting a century – and then pulling a hamstring while he was bowling !Miller hit 100 of Andover’s 214-8 and was supported by Ian Gardner (36) and latterly Richard Taylor (20 not out), with left-arm spinner Phil Loat picking up 3-57.But, with Miller limping out of the attack, Havant openers Andy Perry (49) and Dominic Carson thrived, Andover relying on a large slice of spin bowling.Leg spinner Martin Docis (2-58) achieved two breakthroughs, but was unable to contain either Carson (89) or Bev Moynan (51 not out) whose unbroken century partnership guided Havant home.Burridge slipped even farther behind Liphook & Ripsley in the relegation mire after suffering an onslaught from Bashley-Rydal’s Western Australian prodigy Luke Ronchi.The 21-year old Perth batsman cracked an undefeated 126 as Bashley soared past Burridge’s 208-7 in only 30 overs. Ronchi and Neil Thurgood (52 not out) put on almost 200 for the second wicket.Ian Williamson had earlier made 83 as Burridge recovered from early blows by John Whiting (4-36) at 54-3 to reach 208-7 in 60 overs.Moeen Cheema (35) and Dave Jackson (20) offered support, but it was not enough to spare Burridge another defeat.Burridge’s dilemma worsened when Liphook & Ripsley eked out eight points from a drawn match with Calmore Sports at Ripsley Park. It looked at one stage as though Liphook would win handsomely.Calmore sank to a depressing 29-4 and later 57-5, but were revived by a face-saving century from skipper Tom Pegler (100), whose late order stands with Paul Cass (31) and John Wall (40 not out) lifted the visitors to 235-8 (Glen Read 3-49).The sedate pace of South African Alistair Gray (58), who departed at 140-4, held back Liphook’s bid for victory.Michael Smyth (35), Nick Gay (27), Neil Randall (23) and Jeremy Bulled (23) pushed Liphook’s reply to 193-4, but time ran out at 209-8.

Michael Ball insists Everton only want players who are fully committed to the cause following Carlo Ancelotti’s shock exit from Goodison Park.

The Italian decided to walk out on the Merseyside club after Real Madrid expressed their interest in appointing him.

Zinedine Zidane, of course, walked out on Real and, as a result, a vacancy was opened up in Spain, which Ancelotti filled once more.

He previously spent two years at the club, between 2013 and 2015, and won the Champions League in his first spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ball, though, believes that Toffees fans are growing tired of both managers and players deciding to leave the club as soon as a big offer is tabled, and has urged the club to only bring people to the club who are completely committed to being a success on Merseyside.

Reports suggest that Nuno Espirito Santo, the former Wolves boss, is likely to be appointed as Ancelotti’s successor.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I think Everton fans are sick and tired of hearing the same stuff from the board and the players. That as soon as an opportunity comes, they’re off.

“If they don’t want to be here, if their head’s not right, they don’t want to be 100% dedicated to the football club next season, I’m more than happy for them to let them go and bring in someone who has got the right desire and right belief to be a club legend and get Everton to complete this project that we’re on right now.”

Indian fast bowler Javagal Srinath is to replace Australian Michael Bevan as Leicestershire’s overseas player for the last five weeks of the season

Leicestershire CCC05-Aug-2002
JavagalSrinath
Photo Reuters
Indian fast bowler Javagal Srinath is to replace Australian Michael Bevan as Leicestershire’s overseas player for the last five weeks of the season.Srinath, who will be 33 later this month, will play in five Frizzell County Championship matches and four Norwich Union League games. He will make his debut in the floodlit League match against Kent at Canterbury on Wednesday August 21.Bevan departs Grace Road in mid-August to join up with the Australian one-day squad, and Leicestershire secretary-manager James Whitaker said;” We are delighted to have been able to secure the services of such a quality player to replace him. Srinath is one of the top seam bowlers in international cricket, and we are excited about him joining us for such a crucial stage of the season.”Srinath made his Test debut for India in the 1991-92 season in Australia and has played a total of 64 Tests and 204 one-day internationals.He has taken 232 Test wickets at an average of 30.46 and 276 wickets in one-day internationals at just under 29 runs apiece.He has also proved himself a useful lower order batsman on occasions with four half-centuries and a career best score of 76 in Test matches.This will be his second experience of playing county cricket. He was Gloucestershire’s overseas player in 1995 when he took 87 wickets at under 20 runs apiece in 15 matches.He has taken 493 first class wickets at an average of 26.59 and has a total of 363 wickets in limited overs cricket.